Ser Alfred Broome: The Traitorous Knight within Dragon House
In the Targaryen civil war sometimes known as the Dance of the Dragons, Ser Alfred Broome is a key player. Introduced in House of the Dragon season 2 as a small council member of Rhaenyra Targaryen, he is Eventually, though, this apparently devoted knight will turn on her, playing a major role in the Greens' triumph and finally meeting a terrible death.
Knowing Ser Alfred Broome's Place in Rhaenyra's Council
From House Broome, a family connected to Dragonstone, Broome is a knight. Beginning the reign of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen, almost twenty years before House Of The Dragon began, he has served on the island's garrison for decades. Unlike Rhaenyra's picture of a changing Westeros, his long tenure has made him a symbol of the old guard.
Strong traditionalist, he has outdated opinions on women's leadership especially in times of war. Often criticizing Rhaenyra's choices, Broome publicly opposes her approaches and freely expresses his sexist beliefs. He is a thorn in Rhaenyra's side because of his loud pronouncements and continuous opposition. Her small council's inclusion of Broome serves as a continual reminder of the social restrictions she encounters as a female claiming her due place on the Iron Throne.
Betrayal by Ser Alfred Broome: Strategic Action
Broome's contempt of Rhaenyra culminates in a firm act of betrayal as the Dance Of The Dragons advances. Rhaenyra intends to leave Ser Robert Quince in charge of Dragonstone once she takes King's Landing. Broome finds great difficulty with this scheme. He feels his long service and seniority entitle him to the post. Broome plans a calculated coup against Quince, seizing Dragonstone for personally use. Then he strikes a bargain with the banished King Aegon Ii for lordship and protection in return for riches. This alliance solidly positions him on the Greens' side.
The Descent of a Traitorous Knight
Broome's betrayal reaches even to a vicious attack on Rhaenyra personally. Pretending to be an ally, he lures her to Dragonstone only to trap and murder her devoted men. He then brings her to Aegon II, who cruelly kills her using Sunfyre, his dragon. A startling episode in the Dance Of The Dragons, Broome's betrayal reflects the depths of his ambition and the gloom of the war.
Broome's fate is sealed notwithstanding his success serving Aegon II. His horrific task is to cut off Aegon III, Rhaenyra's young son and legitimate heir's ears. But during a skirmish he finds himself thrown into a trench full of spikes as he tries to fulfill this duty. Over two days, his death is savage and drawn out.
The Legacy of Ser Alfred Broome
Ser rather The narrative of Alfred Broome functions as a warning, showing the attraction of authority and the results of violating oaths. He is a multifarious character whose relentless allegiance to custom finally results in his being a pawn in the Iron Throne's destructive war. His narrative gives House Of The Dragon more mystery by highlighting the moral ambigues of the Targaryen civil war.
Significance of Ser Alfred Broome
In House of the Dragon, Ser Alfred Broome fulfills a number of fundamental roles. Representing the old guard, he emphasizes the social demands Rhaenyra encounters as a woman in a patriarchal society. His performance gives the Dance of the Dragons more complexity by showing that ambition and treachery can grow even among apparently devoted people. He also sets up a pivotal turning point in the narrative since his treachery finally helps Rhaenyra Targaryen to fall from grace.
